Spain’s soccer federation faces FIFA disciplinary action after apparent anti-Muslim chants directed at Egypt
FIFA opens proceedings against Spanish federation over fan chants
FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation following anti-Muslim chants by fans during Spain's friendly match against Egypt on March 31, 2026. The governing body confirmed the action in a statement, citing incidents at RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, near Barcelona. The 40,000-seat venue hosted Spain as the home team.
Fans in some sections chanted "bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote," translating to "jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim." The chant repeated during the match. The stadium announcer warned supporters about the venue's policy against discriminatory behavior.
Egypt's population is approximately 90% Muslim, according to the World Religion Database. Spain's Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old Muslim player, condemned the chants on Instagram the next day. "I am a Muslim, thank God," Yamal wrote. "To those who sing those chants: using religion as something to mock people in a football stadium leaves you as ignorant and racist people. Football is to enjoy and support, not to offend people by who they are or what they believe in."
The Royal Spanish Football Federation issued a statement denouncing racism and violence in stadiums. Players Joan Garcia and Pedri echoed the condemnation after the match. Coach Luis de la Fuente said at a news conference: "I am repulsed by and absolutely reject any form of xenophobia or racism — it’s completely intolerable." Spain’s minister of education, vocational training and sport and the Council on American-Islamic Relations also criticized the chants.
